Description
This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender farfalle pasta with savory Italian sausage and a rich tomato-cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, it balances bold spices with comforting textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
Sausage & Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the bow tie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Heat Through and Garnish: Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm everything through. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Turkey sausage is a great alternative for a leaner protein option.
- Add fresh spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor impact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
